Our Story

A community defined by its members.

We're the first women's chess club in England — and we're just getting started.

Who we are.

London Women Chess Club is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to providing a welcoming, safe space for all women and girls to learn and enjoy chess. Recognising the lack of female representation in chess clubs and tournaments, we set out to establish an inclusive community for all women and girls who play chess in London and beyond.

Since 2022 we've played competitive chess, hosted tournaments, and grown a vibrant community that spans every age, background and skill level. From total beginners discovering how the knight moves, to competitive players representing us in leagues, our members are what make us who we are.

Recognition.

We're proud to have been recognised by the English Chess Federation as an award-winning club for women in chess. We're supported by the ECF, ECF Grassroots, and the Francis Crick Institute — partnerships that help us run free sessions, host events, and grow.

Meet The Team

The people behind LWCC.

Our committee is made up of volunteers who give their time to keep the club running.

Lucinda Thompson
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Finance Director

Lucinda Thompson

An engineer by profession and an active player at LWCC for over a year. As Treasurer, Lucinda oversees the club's financial health — ensuring transparency and managing the funds that support our coaching sessions and tournaments. She's committed to maintaining a strong financial foundation for LWCC's continued success and growth.

Zoya Boozorginia
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Founder & Managing Director

Zoya Boozorginia

The founder and Managing Director of LWCC. A project architect by background, Zoya brings creativity, structure, and vision to every initiative she leads.

Having learned chess as a child, she rediscovered her passion for the game in adulthood, joining Battersea Chess Club in 2021 and immersing herself in competitive play. Inspired by The Queen's Gambit, she became even more captivated by the beauty and challenge of the game — and as the women she gathered around her grew into a group, she realised it was time to create something lasting.

Her mission is to make chess accessible, inclusive, and inspiring — encouraging women at all levels to build confidence, connect socially, and compete professionally.

Anna
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Website & Communications Director

Anna

An aspiring AI engineer and a student at King's College London. Anna built this website and helps run the club's online presence.

LWCC members celebrating
Our People

Built by members, for members.

The club is truly defined by its members. We value each person's diverse talents and contributions — whether that's running tactics workshops, organising socials, mentoring new players, or simply showing up every Sunday with a smile.

We're a volunteer-led organisation with in-house coaches and senior players who give their time to help others learn. If you'd like to get involved beyond playing, there's almost certainly a way to contribute.

Get involved →
Come Say Hi

Your seat at the board is waiting.

The best way to understand us is to come along to a Sunday session. Bring nothing, know no one — we'll take it from there.

Join us for free →